Prince William all at sea
It’s yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum for our sailor Prince as William takes up his two month secondment with the Royal Navy. Let’s hope the title line of that song doesn’t apply too often.
Following his training period at the Britannia Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon, the Prince will join HMS Iron Duke on drugs patrol in the Caribbean.
Full details of the deployment can be found here in the Clarence House briefing.
The RN stint ends in August when he will take a break before rejoining his Army regiment until January. He may be assigned to other duties during this period, since four months in Windsor Barracks would be something of an anticlimax after all that has gone before.
There’s much speculation about the crucial August break in the context of his relationship with Kate Middleton. Readers of Royal Anecdotes will be aware of what that is. We are saying nothing.
The KM has to get a job story has really developed legs even here in the States. I see one news network headline today suggesting the Queen is “balking” at KM.
This story at best maybe contained one tiny bit of reality and now has become ugly in its transference around the world. This is sad and hurtful as we are dealing with real humans here, not just voyeristic playthings.
By Claudia on June 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Have you guys seen the todays cover of Hello! yet. That’s what is true and that’s what I like to see.
By Claudius on June 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Yes, Claudius, no nonsense from them. It’s a news story rather than a paid one though.
By John on June 3rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
What are the details of Hello? I suspect the story from the ‘Queen’ probably more likely an anti-Kate staff member is really backfireing. John, How would a story that is not true be handled within the family? One would expect that William would have placed some calls about the matter, even if it was true.
By Cate on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
BBC.com has video of Prince William in action on his first exercises with the Royal Navy.
By Evelyn on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
So finally, a William sighting. Too bad about that anchor strike.
I think it’s clear we won’t be hearing much about engagements this summer. Maybe Catherine will make some news herself.
I’m in the museum business. Perhaps I should offer to make an exhibition of her photographs? I actually wrote the Palace once about making an exhibition of the Queen’s photography, but never heard a peep back.
By Dan on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I don’t think the Queen ever exhibits her personal work, Dan. It would leave her open to ridicule by know-alls, no matter how good or interesting they are.
Charles’s watercolours receive that treatment regularly, even though he’s never claimed to be Turner.
By John on June 3rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Wonderful cover on Hello and wonderful article about Prince William’s skills during his first day of training! Also, lovely photos of the Queen, radiant in lavender, on board the QE2!
While it is true that the absurd story about the Queen wanting Catherine Middleton to get a job is circulating the globe, I doubt that it will be believed by many. The Daily Mail has seriously damaged it’s own credibility with that ridiculous journalistic gaffe.
I am a little bleary-eyed after staying up past midnight watching the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Redwings, 4-3, in triple Overtime, in Detroit! WOW, what an exciting game!! No doubt (NO doubt) you heard us cheering all the way across the Pond!
When Gonchar and Malone were injured and left the ice, I got so nervous that I was pacing like a caged tiger.
By Gigi on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Bad photography is redolent in galleries and museums all over the US and Europe. The Queen’s can’t be worse than most of what I see. I confess my only purpose would be to get her to come to town for the opening. As if!
By Dan on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Dan, it is worth a try! Nothing venture, nothing gain. If you succeed, we expect you to post the inside scoop here, with as many photographs as you can snap!
Please let us know in advance if possible so we can host a Royal Anecdotes Gala Welcome to Her Majesty Tea. John will have to come up with another of his splendid toasts, but I am sure he will not mind. 
By Gigi on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
The Daily Mail has an article on Prince William’s day, with lots of photos.
By Evelyn on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:38 pm
HM just called. Seems she’s a bit self-conscious about her artistic pursuits. I’ll work on her and let you know how it goes.
I’ve offered to hire Catherine as guest curator for the show. (See, I’m always thinking.)
By Dan on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Getty also has a number of photos of Prince William’s first day on a training boat.
Dan, please let us know when and where the photo exhibit will be; maybe we can stop in on one of our vacation trips.
By Evelyn on June 3rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Prince William sure looks good in the Navy uniform. And from his tan I would say that he must have been on a holiday somewhere warm recently
By dagga on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Katie Nicholl has been interviewed on American morning television. I hope this URL takes you to the video (scroll down to start.)
http://tinyurl.com/6ef2la
By Dan on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
You’d be better off trying Prince Philip, Dan. Or Prince Andrew, both keen photographers.
By John on June 3rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Well, no problem, we can be culinarily flexible. If the Queen can’t come, we can still fete the Duke of Edinburgh or the Duke of York with Royal Anecdotes Gala Welcome Your Royal Highness Tea!
All we have to do is make the tea cakes a bit less dainty and beef up the tea sandwiches, so to speak. 
Or, as someone famous once said, “Add bacon to everything, triple the chocolate and spike the punch to lethal proportions.” 
By Gigi on June 3rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Now the DM is taking jabs at Beatrice for working only 3 hours a day—and under guard protection—at Selfridges. Sounds suspiciously like what Nicholl said about Catherine working a little bit here and there in her parents’ business. Why has everyone suddenly got Royal employment on the brain? It’s summer, for Pete’s sake! Let’s all knock off and go shopping, have lunch with the mates, get a haircut… God bless her, someone has to keep the economy going.
By Dan on June 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Might I say that William’s looking incredibly dashing in his Navy uniform! And is that a tan I see? Maybe they went to Mustique after all…
By frands on June 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
So I’m new here but I have to say I really enjoyed reading everything so far…
I agree that William looks dashing
And I have to say, if I were Catherine, I would be in hiding now until he is done with his training if people are going to loose their minds and get this mean just because they can’t get their eyes on them or get a “real” story! But that’s just my opinion…
By Jules on June 3rd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Glad you’re have a good read. I’m pretty new too! Everyone here at RA, are the real deal. Caing trustworthy, friendly, and not afraid to gently guide you, in the direction if you veir off too much. Oh, and when the engagement is finaly announced, Gigi et al will have the teas! Can you just hear the champagn chilling?! Anyway, welcome Jules.
By jacqueline on June 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
And sppelling, and punstuation is/are not an issue here!
By jacqueline on June 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Well I’m disappointed I was at least hoping Katie Nicholls wouldn’t come across like a know it all who is rarely wrong but her Kates work theme sounds totally pathetic somewhere in the I have contacts from within so I am right kind of tone. Guess she hasn’t realized yet that for a dollar/pound people will say what you want to hear.
By Trudie on June 3rd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
gigi - i was up watching that game as well - soo exciting! go penguins!
By coni on June 3rd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Me too! Exciting game! I’m from Minnesota so as you can imagine, I’m all about hockey
Looking forward to the teas! So, glad I found this site!
By Jules on June 4th, 2008 at 12:59 am
John now that William is on his secondment to the Navy will his training allow him the time off for the Garter ceremony? and a day at Ascot? I would love to see him at both possibly with Kate on his arm.
By Trudie on June 4th, 2008 at 2:54 am
I do believe that he will be there because that is the day that he will be invested as Knight Companion of the order. I also believe that Catherine will be there. It would be great if he did attend Royal Ascot and take her with him. Peter did it with Autumn and now it can be his turn.
By Claudius on June 4th, 2008 at 3:17 am
The Garter ceremony comes during the 3-weeks when Prince William is to train in country (Monday, June 16). I can’t imagine that the Royal Navy would be able to prevent him from attending the Garter ceremony, as I’m sure the Queen expects him there.
But I do wonder whether Prince William will be able to take off any additional time for Royal Ascot. Just because it’s a traditional part of the Royal Family social calendar, that doesn’t mean he will attend. Everyone expected William at Peter & Autumn Phillips’ wedding, but he wasn’t there.
Perhaps Catherine will attend Royal Ascot without Prince William. Chelsy should be done with her examinations at Leeds, so perhaps Catherine and Chelsy will attend together.
By Evelyn on June 4th, 2008 at 3:50 am
I read somewhere that he would have weekends off these first three weeks. So we might get to see him at different events. And her;)
By dagga on June 4th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I am sorry to change things but I have been in hospital - nothing serious and am back up and running but missed RA with all the run up to the wedding.
I have to agree with Claudius I cannot see the Royal Navy standing in the way of PW’s Garter investiyure but I think that this is the only opportunity we might get of seeing him with Catherine.
We might see the two royal to be ladies, Zara and Mike at Ascot though. Do you know John how Catherine and Chelsy ‘get on’?
By Royalist on June 4th, 2008 at 8:15 am
And sppelling, and punstuation is/are not an issue here!
Jacqueline, they are if carry on like that.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Royalust, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. I hope you’re fully recovered now.
As for Kate and Chelsy getting on, it appears they used to be a little distant because they have very different personalities. However, recently, Chelsy has been consulting Kate on how to dress when at a Royal event and meeting the Queen etcetera. They’ve also been seen together at polo matches and, of course, the notorious wedding.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Trudie, you’re right. The problem with Katie’s article and interview is that the world, and especially Americans, now think the Queen is anti-Kate and a hard task master. I’m sure nothing could be further from the truth.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I have only one thing to say about the Penguins. Watch out for global warming.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Trudie, as a trainee, William will have the usual weekends off — when onshore — plus the normal little indulgences a Prince can wangle.
He will, of course, be at the Garter ceremony — the Navy will regard having a Knight of the Garter among its ranks, albeit briefly, as a great coup.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I agree, Evelyn. It’s time for Kate to spread her wings socially. She always looks her best at events involving dressing up, and Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of that.
William though usually looks a little uncomfortable in his togs. I know how he feels.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 8:59 am
As much as I hate the comparisons between Diana and Kate there is a common denomiator here with regards to the RF.
When Diana was dating Charles and going through the gauntlet of reporters she asked the Palace press office for help and none was forthcoming. Diana’s mother wrote to the press asking them to stop and was ignored. The poor woman couldn’t even go to work without the press camped out at the Kindergarten.
I think the Middletons remember this and the best solution to protect Kate was to have her work for them. If the RF refuse to comment in anyway especially William this does not make Kate lazy it just makes her indisposed and the press is relying on her to become the bread and butter Diana was. IMO that is why all the negative press they want her to come out and play nicely.
By Trudie on June 4th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I think also, Trudie, before Diana’s day there was a great deal of deference from the media. Princess Margaret, for all her flashy lifestyle, never ran the gauntlet of paparazzi photographers.
In the 1980s, all that changed, so the Palace press office, which was then run by Wing Commanders with handlebar moustaches, simply didn’t know how to handle it.
The Diana phenomenon took everyone by surprise. Of course, when she collaborated in writing the Morton book and appeared on Panorama, the gloves were off. It was open season for the press against the Royals and has been ever since.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Back to Royal Ascot… Do you think there is any chance that the Queen will invite Catherine Middleton to ride in her carriage? That would certainly make clear that the Queen is not put off by Catherine’s lack of “outside” employment.
Just because we only know about Catherine’s work on Party Piece’s website (photos and layout), that doesn’t mean that she isn’t doing other work for her parents’ company. There would be any number of projects they might ask her help with.
Trudie, I agree completely with the notion that leaving Jigsaw was about protecting herself from the paps.
By Evelyn on June 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Evelyn, it would be a very nice gesture, especially if William and Kate and Harry and Chelsy rode in one of the carriages together. That would be the moment of the meeting and see off the ugly rumours going around.
If only the Palace had a PR of genius … or they listened to Royal Anecdotes.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Yes John but the gloves came off when Charles cooperated with Dimbleby first. Diana can’t be blamed for that one she just answered back. But What I am talking about is when Diana was dating Charles like Kate is dating William. The Press want a scoop and will stop at nothing to catch an unguarded moment. Much like what happened to Lady Sarah who unwisely in an unguarded moment talked to the Press.
By Trudie on June 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
To be sure, the moment they appear together dressed up for ceremony, we would wittness these pictures being taken for faked engagement /wedding cups, plates, etc. This could be again one of the reasons for William not being present at that last wedding. Furthermore, these pictures then would have been exclusive possession of !hello magazine….
Also I cannot really see William commenting on speculative news articles about Kate. Once started he would have to continue doing so on and on. The press simply would not stop speculating on her.
If he is determined not to be hastend by the press (the section of it he loathes) he has to ignore it simply and go on with his shedule, and Kate and all people at the palace who really matter will de likewise.
By Gena on June 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Welcome back, Royalist! I am relieved to see your post as I was wondering where you were. I am glad that you are quite well again. Welcome, Jules and Jacqueline, we are pleased to have you with us.
I agree that Prince William looks very handsome in Naval uniform. I have my fingers crossed that he and Catherine attend the Garter Ceremony together and also Royal Ascot. I adore the pageantry and tradition of these events and no one does pageantry and tradition like the British!
As for the Pittsburgh Penguins, I am a lifelong fan, and I will be glued to the TV tonight for the game in Mellon Arena against the Detroit Redwings! Don earplugs, everyone, because the noise will be deafening!
GO PENS!
By Gigi on June 4th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Gigi - Now that I have a friend/fan of one team I’ll pick a fav! Go Pens!
So can anyone tell me how/where we can see these events live in the USA (Garter Ceremony & Royal Ascot)? BBC online maybe? Or will they be shown on BBCAmerica?
Thanks for any advice on where to look so I’m prepared!
By Jules on June 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Jules, the BBC would be a good place to start. They don’t normally televise the Garter live, but there are usually lots of clips of the procession of the Knights. This year may be exceptional though because of William’s involvement, plus the usual Kate story of “will she, won’t she be there”.
Royal Ascot is always shown in full on TV, usually by the BBC, but Channel 4 may have it this year because of the shenanigans over the Queen documentary.
More on Royal Ascot when we know more.
By John on June 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Evelyn, I doubt that Catherine would in the carriage with Her Majesty but she may be in the royal box with her. That’s if she go. I think she will attend that whenever William can. But the Garter ceremony is a big event for William and it would be great to see Catherine attending and in the company of The Countess of Wessex and other royals.
By Claudius on June 4th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
The article in the news this morning about the unveiling of the new courtyard at Saint Paul’s made me wonder if any of our dear RA clan has visited Saint Paul’s Cathedral since the renovation of all but the North Side was completed. The few photos I have seen look marvelous but I’d love to hear details from someone who has actually seen it. It would certainly be a lovely venue, clean and restored, with gleaming Portland stone, for the Royal Wedding.
By Gigi on June 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I still firmly that William will make an announcement soon. As the doubts are rising, I have a feeling that he will put an end to it soon.
By Claudius on June 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I saw a video of Fox News. It made the case that Kate was being groomed for her royal role. First, the name Catherine is being used. The Queen wants her to get a job so that she wont be seen at night clubs and in a more positive light. Fox news seemed to think that Catherine is now in search of work. I do hope that you are right Claudius. For Kate and the RF something needs to be said. I think that there will be plenty of opportunities for William and Kate to be seen together before he goes out to sea with the royal navy. The next couple of weeks hopefully will put an end to rumors about Kate. It will be interesting to see how things unfold for both of them. I do believe that they will make a loving husband and wife team.
By kat on June 5th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Amanda Platell completely trashed William in her dumb artical.
http://tinyurl.com/5s4s5u
By Claudius on June 5th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Thanks Rman for lettings us know.
By Claudius on June 5th, 2008 at 6:19 am
The nezt event that might get some attention might be Chelsy’s degree presentation at Leeds University, it seems from what I can find out she has really worked for her Masters in not the most friendly environment.
I really think that the two princes with Catherine and Chelsy together are the future of the monarchy, it’s amazing how Chelsy has come in froom the cold ’so to speak’. I would like to see all four of them in the fullness of time be invoved with charities quite a dynamic quad. It would be amazing how the British public would warm to them
By Royalist on June 5th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I think Amanda Platell is wrong about a number of things and right about others in her article. Thanks for the tinyurl link, Claudius.
First, it’s “government” spin doctors trying to polish the reputation of the Armed Forces which Labour has shamefully run down in the past ten years. Palace advisers are rather thin on the ground. William is only doing what every King-in-waiting has done for centuries but in a media age when there’s no peace from constant intrusion. The photocalls are arranged in return for leaving him alone for the rest of the time.
The “increasingly grand” Kate Middleton is now suffering from the story that she wants to be known as “Queen Catherine” when, as I said at the time, this is unattributed gossip and probably not true. Her sister Pippa and others call her Kate. So does Royal Anecdotes. If Kate wished it otherwise she would say it on the record. I’d advise her not to though. The time to change a name is when you change title. Then it’s appropriate. Before that and you look “grand” and presumptuous. Kate has never been that.
I totally agree with Amanda about the scandalous treatment of our Armed Forces just when Tony Blair was sending them into more and more wars. Everyone blames Gordon Brown for cutting funding over ten years and now he’s held in the deepest contempt by the nation.
Quite why William should shoulder the blame for all this is not clear to me.
By John on June 5th, 2008 at 8:56 am
The voice of reason John, thanks. PW is not to blame at all. He’s a great guy with a great title to live up to. He’s got great parents and an even greater grandma! Let her rule again and we’ll see how the heads will role. I adore the BRF, I’m young, I have lots of patients. It’s been great to see all of them grow, a few bumps in the road, but all in all a great family. As for these articles, they were abused children. They need to grow too!
By jacqueline on June 5th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
New Idea Magazine is breaking the story that William & Kate is engaged. This is the same newsroom that released the information that Harry was in Afganistan and they later apologized to Harry and troops for releasing sercret information.
http://tinyurl.com/5jqvor
By Rman on June 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Hmmm, I think they’re taking a tilt at that, Rman, and hoping for the best, as they did with the deployment. We shall see. T’would be nice if it were true.
By John on June 5th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Oh, and remember it was RA that forecast a summer engagement many weeks ago.
By John on June 5th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Yeah it would be.
By Rman on June 5th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
i think they’re already engaged and have just not made it public…i suspect an announcement when william is done with his military training - believe that is towards years end…
By coni on June 5th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Clearly Amanda Platell has never served in the military or she would know that esprit’d'corps is an intrinisic part of being a soldier, sailor, airman or marine. I have photographs of my Father and some men from his unit in Belguim during WWII, in very grim and extremely dangerous conditions, and their arms are slung over each other shoulders and they are all smiling as if nothing in the world is wrong. Further, for her to suggest that Prince William is doing this training as a lark to occupy his time is both offense and absurd. I cannot remember a single male heir to the British throne who did not train with various branches of the military, as preparation to be the Monarch and Commander-in-Chief. It may not signify to Amanda Platell, whose credentials are not in evidence on any level, but military training is the best preparation for disciplined leadership that can be had. Regarding Gordon Brown and his dubious decision to downgrade military preparedness, his sole accomplishment appears to be that he significantly weakened his own nation and imperiled the safety of the people of the Queen’s realm. God spare us all from people like Gordon Brown and Amanda Platell. Both would be well-advised to leave important decisions and public pronouncements to those who actually know what they are doing.
By Gigi on June 5th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
On another note. Harry visited Wales today. He greeted crowds at a hospital, cuddled a baby and then adressed a Welsh/Lesotho conference. He said: “It was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life, and it opened my eyes in so many different ways.
“I don’t need to tell this audience how amazing Lesotho is or how incredible the people are.
“And as you all know, if you’ve ever heard a group of Basotho children sing you simply can’t turn your back on them.”
He seems to be quite a good confident public speaker. He surely matured over the last year.
Isifa has many pictures one in which he’s holding up the current Hello issue with William on the cover.
By Isana on June 5th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Gigi, very true. Gordon is the Gorgon.
Isana, Harry just gets better. He’s becoming a huge asset to the Monarchy.
By John on June 5th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Ha! I like the face PH is making when he is holding up the Hello magazine.
By dally on June 5th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I agree with you, John, that Prince Harry is a tremendous asset to the Monarchy! Those photos of him in Cardiff, Wales, show our golden, handsome, winsome Prince at his best, relaxed, charming, down-to-earth, displaying all the qualities that made his beloved Mother so magical. I love how close the Royal Princes are, how well they look after each other and how they instinctively have the right ideas, are well-grounded and compassionate. It is impossible to exaggerate how valuable these two fine young men are and will continue to be to the United Kingdom. What a blessing!
By Gigi on June 5th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Oh but to be a fly on the wall at CH while they read all the good press and see the wonderful pictures of Harry. Every pic I saw reminded me of his mother, Charasmatic, relaxed and bending down to talk to the children and elderly. Clearly he was in his element. You could see the joy he not only brought but received.
By Trudie on June 6th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Harry looked spontaneous, warm, welcoming, like his mother…. And then there are the pre-packaged photo-ops of William on the boat, flubbing his anchor drop. I realize William trades these photo-ops with the press for privacy, but they really make him look more like his father than his mother. William shouldn’t want to look like the next 40-year Prince of Wales; he needs to get over his hatred of the press and show that he can relax with real Britons, as Harry has.
Once upon a time we had a tide of sentiment for King William V instead of King Charles III. Now I sense a stronger sentiment for King Henry IX. William seems to be putting all his feet in his father’s footsteps. If things keep going as they are, and William continues to dither about his future while at the same time freezing out the crowds as well as the press, Harry is going to overtake his brother in popular appeal. He may already have done.
Just as Prince Andrew did to HIS elder brother. Once Andrew became the story (way back in the day, if you can remember, the better-looking Prince on the beach with the soft-porn star), Charles NEVER recovered the public’s affection. True, Andrew then lost the spotlight by making all of Charles’s marital blunders.
But I worry for William becoming the next big national joke by conducting himself like the next Prince of Wales as a mirror image of the current: costumed behind a wall of medals he didn’t earn, packaged by behind-the-times Palace handlers, photo-op’d and flubbing. The title is a curse, I think, and William ought to break the mold now, before he fits it too snugly.
Charles once cut a dashing figure in his Navy uniform, too, but the years pass quickly. Harry’s open approach, easy laugh and smile, and clear demonstration of affection for people are the things that have made his mother timeless. William needs to take a lesson. Mere uniforms don’t wear well in the test of time.
By Dan on June 6th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Right you are Dan. And no wonder PC had an image problem. But, alas, he did, finally, grow into those ears. He is so much more handsome now that he is able to love out loud. Thanks to Camilla, she always knew how to love him. I give her lots of credit there.
By jacqueline on June 6th, 2008 at 2:24 am
I wish that the true story would always be told, instead of events being exaggerated to fit a certain viewpoint. Prince William swung at the pin to release the anchor once, and the pin didn’t release, so he had to swing and hit the pin a second time. On the second hit the pin released, and the anchor dropped. William did owe his fellow sailors a case of beer, but it was a minor thing
The article also said another sailor who did the same thing as Wills had to hit the pin 16 times before the anchor dropped.
I saw photos of Prince Harry’s visit to Wales today. It looks like he had a wonderful walkabout with the children in Wales. He looked really handsome, and they were all thrilled to see him, grownups and children alike. He seemed very warm and natural with the crowds and the children.
But again, I don’t understand why it’s necessary for things to be exaggerated to fit a certain viewpoint.
Prince William just had 2 lovely visits with children 3 weeks ago, and the children were happy to see him. It’s true that the 12 year old girls didn’t cry like they did for Harry, but the children were all happy and excited to see William, and they enjoyed his warm interaction with them. Wills had fun playing with the Wii, and did a nice walkabout and made sure to get down on eyelevel with the children. His visit was just as warm and happy as Harry’s.
By mapleleaf on June 6th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Guys Reporter Neil Sean from Fox News is stating that Kate Middleton does officially want to be called Catherine and she is getting a royal makeover. The Royal Household is trying to spruce up her image. So she is officially being groomed as Princess In Waiting. They are also say that she may become Princess Catherine of Wales or Princess William of Wales. This is official inside information.
By Claudius on June 6th, 2008 at 2:53 am
mapleleaf, You are correct about Williams official duties the first week of May. The pictures were just as warm and wonderful as Harry’s. Let’s please not pit the Princes against each other. They are both trying to fill their rolls to the best of their ability. In my opinion they are doing fine. Do you recall that when she quit Jigsaw, Catherine was quoted as saying she wanted some time to herself. I think they had already set the time schedule for their future at that time. I am trying very hard not to be impatient about an engagement announcement.
By Grandma828 on June 6th, 2008 at 2:58 am
Both princes show themselves to be warm, caring men who are a credit to their mother’s influence in their lives, even though they have different personalities.
Harry does look like more of a natural when it comes to interacting with the public, not only is he handsome, but he has such infectious warmth and such an easy manner that he makes everyone else smile too; but William also does very well.
William’s smiles are also genuine, and he seems to focus on children whenever he’s around them. He always looks happy to meet everyone, and interested in what they have to say. Harry did a fantastic job with the children today, and William did a fantastic job with the children 3 weeks ago.
The City Salute was the joint idea of both William and Harry. William showed interest in the Help for Heroes cause, and Harry quickly joined in when he returned from Afghanistan. By their actions both princes have shown us that they care a lot about helping others, and they should both be commended.
And Harry looked great today!
By mapleleaf on June 6th, 2008 at 3:02 am
John,
I completely agree with your assessment on this story; it most probably does not originate with the Queen.
I sincerely doubt that the Queen feels that Kate needs a job, for the very reason you mentioned - the constant gossiping about Sophie’s PR career.
This looks like some of the old Kate-bashing, probably to sell newspapers during a slow Royal news days.
By Alicia on June 6th, 2008 at 3:04 am
By mapleleaf on June 6th, 2008 at 3:06 am
I can see everyone here is a Harry fan.
So am I, but remember he’s the second son and doesn’t have the responsibilities of William. Just as Princess Margaret was more outgoing than Elizabeth, so it is in this case. But Margaret would not have been the impressive and dependable Queen Elizabeth became.
I’ve criticized William for leaving Kate hanging on for years, but I do think he’s doing a great job as King-in-waiting. Harry’s undoubted popularity helps him too, I think, by taking the spotlight off him from time to time.
By John on June 6th, 2008 at 5:56 am
My apologies for the downtime on the site yesterday. I put a huge advert on and, with RA’s popularity, it sucked up too much juice and brought the server down. What is it with servers?
By John on June 6th, 2008 at 5:58 am
Claudius, a lot of news outlets are picking up on the same general optimism we have here. I doubt there’s any new official stuff going around though.
We all hope Fox News is right, but I think the British broadcasters and press would have had it too if there had been word of an engagement from official sources.
By John on June 6th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Dan, it’s not about popular appeal. William is the next in line and, barring accidents, he will succeed.
Like all older brothers/sisters he is doomed to be less outgoing than his younger sibling. But, as with the Queen, I believe he will turn out okay when he’s been 56 years on the Throne.
By John on June 6th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Claudius, you seem to forget that Fox News has no idea what they’re talking about. They still keep referring to the Testino offer, which he himself said was a load of rubbish. Trying to sell fairy tale stories to the ignorant ones, no doubt. At least the DM is. With Fox, I think they might honestly believe that crap they’re spewing. Some ignorant Americans will believe whatever the tabs tell them, even if it was denied by the people themselves.
And MapleLeaf, Willie is no comparison to Harry whatsoever. Not even close. Harry is so natural and everyone is happy and excited to see him. Willie is awkward and the kids just don’t seem to like him as much.
By leogirl on June 6th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Indeed John. I think it’s wrong to “blame” Wiliam for the fact that he’s not as outgoing and happy-go-lucky as Harry. Those are character traits he cannot really change. Yet he always appears very warm and approachable and everyone who met him sang his praises and was very impressed with the down to earth lovely young Royal. Harry might have more of a pop star appeal but that’s not what being a monarch is all about. William isn’t Diana and he’s not Charles either. He’s himself and he should really be given the chance to find his own way without those constant unneccessary comparisons to either parent. I actually always had the impression that he’s a lot like the Queen. They both seem to be very private rather reserved people who have been born into the position to handle a lot of publicity and “crowds” when they normally probably wouldn’t have chosen such a route for themselves. He seems to make a difference between the way he acts as “Royal” and the way he is in private. It seems to me like they both chose that approach to shield at least a small part of their lives from complete public consumption. And their personality definitely has the advantage that they will never fall for their “public image”. They both don’t crave the limelight hence they’ll never search it out and resort to media games to enhance their own popularity.
I do not get the complaint about Charles either. His reputation was obviously badly hurt by the failure of his marriage but to me he comes across as a warm caring person whenever he appears at official functions. He chats and jokes with the people and I never heard anybody complain about his attitude at functions like that. Obviously he doesn’t have Diana’s (or Harry’s) charisma but few people do - that doesn’t make them better or worse than others, IMO, and it certainly doesn’t define their suitability as future monarch.
Furthermore all the Royals play fo the same “team” hence they are not in competition with each other. Their work compliments each other and is done in support of Her Majesty really.
I’m sure William is very proud of his little brother and doesn’t begrudge him his growing popularity.
By Isana on June 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Precisely, Isana.
By John on June 6th, 2008 at 11:19 am
“William isn’t Diana and he’s not Charles either”
Truer words have never been spoken Isana.
I really wish people would stop comparing the two Princes to their mother. In May when William was in Wales they were going on and on about how he had Diana’s touch and now they are doing the same with Harry. I get that some like to remember Diana but they have got to let William and Harry do things the way they see fit, they way it works for them. I think that most people know what it is like to be constantly compared to a parent or an older sibling, they should remember that when they start with William and Harry.
By Ash on June 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I don’t think it’s an issue with the Princes themselves so much as how they are “branded”, or indeed, how they are branding themselves. Harry is seen as genuinely caring with a welcome humble streak, while William is better known for having strong feelings about how he is to be treated (again, very like Charles). In the meantime, his recent appearances are excessively stage-managed, rightly leading to charges of being little more than clumsy PR exercises. William will always be the star, but one hopes it doesn’t go to his head. Royal narcissism won’t make the years pass quicker. As I keep saying, William may have 20 to 30 years to contemplate his reflection as number 3, then number 2. Better to make the best of it and maintain the public’s affection in the doing.
By Dan on June 6th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Here’s another new artical on Kate.
http://tinyurl.com/6af9cg
By Rman on June 6th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I don’t see any evidence that either Prince William or Prince Harry are letting their “star quality” go to their heads. If anything, I believe the opposite is true. Both Royal brothers are handling their status with remarkable maturity and have adapted to the relentless spotlight with as much grace as is possible under the trying circumstances. Of course they are going to be compared to their parents. Nearly every child is! I am constantly told that I look and sound like my Mother and have been told this by just about everyone who ever knew my Mother since I was a small child. It is human nature to see resemblances. Further, since Diana was and Charles is world famous persons, such comparisons are even more natural. People want to see traits of parents in children, especially if the parents were greatly admired, as is the case with Charles and Diana. I was always delighted to hear that people think I resemble my Mother and I would be floored to find out that Prince William and Prince Harry did not feel the same when they are compared to their famous parents.
By Gigi on June 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
William is not loved by Wales. They booed him at the rugby match….
By leogirl on June 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
The children in Wales didn’t boo William when he was on a walkabout and visit a month ago, and they said they really enjoyed seeing him. There were many articles that described how happy to see William the children were, and that they were surprised that he was down to earth and approachable.
If you didn’t read any of those articles, just google them, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quoted comments from the children in the articles. The reports were all positive, and that includes quotes from both the children and the adults that met William.
And leogirl, I agree with you about one thing: Harry is no comparison to William, and William is no comparison to Harry.
The princes aren’t in a competition, so there is no need for comparison. People enjoy when William visits, and people enjoy when Harry visits.
What is the point of trying to insist a person is not liked when the comments made by the people he meets with are all good ones? Everyone was happy and smiling when they met with William, just like when they met with Harry. The only people saying William isn’t liked, or that he isn’t warm, are people who haven’t met with him. Those who have met him have nothing but good things to say. I’d say that sums it up very well.
By mapleleaf on June 6th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Well said, Mapleleaf! The people who booed Prince William at the rugby match were upset that he was rooting for another team but it certainly doesn’t mean they do not like him. It more likely meant that some of them were three sheets to the wind!
I am told, by those who claim to have been eye witnesses, that some people become so intoxicated at athletic matches that they have been known to become engaged to marry total strangers before the end of the game! Such folks are unlikely to know, under such conditions, whom they are booing and why on earth they are booing in the first place. In fact, they are unlikely to know their own names! 
By Gigi on June 6th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
What laughs.
By leogirl on June 7th, 2008 at 12:05 am
DM also has an article about Zara and Mike planning their wedding for May 2009.
By jackie Mccoy on June 8th, 2008 at 10:54 am